FAQs
Should I have my dog shaved for the summer?
Many clients think shaving is an easy way to keep their dog cool. On a double coated dog, the longer guard hair provides protection while the thicker undercoat provides insulation. What is needed in warm weather is to leave the guard hair and remove the loose undercoat. This requires regular grooming. If that is not an option then shaving all the hair off is better than leaving a matted or packed undercoat. If you want your dog shaved, I’ll be glad to do it. I just want you to make an educated decision.
How often should my dog be groomed?
Why do you only lightly pluck ear hair?
Hair in the ears grows in cycles, just like hair anywhere else on the body, and when it’s ready to come out it does. If I pull hair out before it’s ready, I not only cause pain to your dog, but I open the hair follicles, allowing bacteria and fungi to get in. For this reason many veterinary dermatologists are now recommending against heavy ear hair plucking.
Can I watch you groom my dog?
My insurance company does not allow clients beyond the reception area. You can watch through the window, but if your dog becomes distracted by having you there, you will have to leave so I can safely complete the groom.
Why do you need a rabies certificate on file?
If your dog bites a staff member, breaking the skin, the staff member will need to go to the doctor for medical attention. Proof that your dog is current on his rabies vaccination must be provided; otherwise the staff member will receive a series of expensive post-exposure rabies shots. You, the owner, will be liable for payment. Additionally, a doctor will notify Animal Control and your dog will be quarantined. This is something we don’t want to happen. It is for everyone’s protection.
What is matting?
Matting occurs when the hair starts to tangle and eventually gets so stuck together that it is almost impossible to comb out. A small mat will continue to collect hair and grow, pulling at the skin and causing the dog discomfort. The hair can also rip from the skin, leaving a bald spot, hot spot or other skin irritation. The best way to prevent mats from forming is to make an effort to brush your dog and keep him on a regular schedule for professional grooming. I will be happy to show you the proper tools and techniques to use at home to keep your dog mat-free.
My dog is matted, what can you do?
Some tangles or small mats that are away from the skin can be bushed out. But if a dog is severely matted, I will have to shave the hair. If I were to brush out a severely matted coat, it would be a painful procedure for your dog and the hair would be so damaged that it would mat up again almost immediately. If we shave the hair and start over, your dog will be happier and the hair will grow in fresh and healthy. Then we can discuss what we can do to get your dog into the longer style that you desire.
My dog has fleas. Can you help?
Southpaw Pet Salon does not use flea shampoos or dips because there are safer and more effective ways of killing fleas on pets. If your dog has fleas you will need to obtain a Capstar tablet from your veterinarian and give it to your dog at least 4 hours before coming in. Capstar will kill fleas for 24 hours, allowing me to maintain proper salon sanitation while your dog is being groomed. A topical treatment can be applied the following day.
Will you sedate my dog?
No. Pets requiring sedation should be groomed in a veterinary clinic for their safety.
Many clients think shaving is an easy way to keep their dog cool. On a double coated dog, the longer guard hair provides protection while the thicker undercoat provides insulation. What is needed in warm weather is to leave the guard hair and remove the loose undercoat. This requires regular grooming. If that is not an option then shaving all the hair off is better than leaving a matted or packed undercoat. If you want your dog shaved, I’ll be glad to do it. I just want you to make an educated decision.
How often should my dog be groomed?
- Long or curly hair (i.e.: Shih Tzu, Poodle, Cocker Spaniel) For a longer hair style, every 4 -5 weeks along with frequent combing at home. If you don’t have time for combing then a shorter haircut every 4 to 5 weeks is recommended.
- Double coat (i.e.: Collie, Shepherd, Golden Retriever) Grooming every 4 to 8 weeks is recommended. It depends on how much you want to brush at home and how clean you want to keep your dog .
- Wire coat (i.e.: Cairn, Scottie, Westie) is usually hand stripped. This is done on a 3 to 6 week schedule. If you maintain the coat at home by routine carding, some dogs can go as long as 12 weeks. If you prefer to have your dog clipped you will want to follow the schedule for a long or curly haired dog.
- Smooth coat (i.e.: Labrador Retriever, Rottweiler, Beagle) These dogs can go as long as 12 weeks (or once a season) but you will need to clip nails and do a little brushing between grooms.
- I can discuss your dog’s individual needs at our first appointment and we can pick a schedule and haircut that works for everyone.
Why do you only lightly pluck ear hair?
Hair in the ears grows in cycles, just like hair anywhere else on the body, and when it’s ready to come out it does. If I pull hair out before it’s ready, I not only cause pain to your dog, but I open the hair follicles, allowing bacteria and fungi to get in. For this reason many veterinary dermatologists are now recommending against heavy ear hair plucking.
Can I watch you groom my dog?
My insurance company does not allow clients beyond the reception area. You can watch through the window, but if your dog becomes distracted by having you there, you will have to leave so I can safely complete the groom.
Why do you need a rabies certificate on file?
If your dog bites a staff member, breaking the skin, the staff member will need to go to the doctor for medical attention. Proof that your dog is current on his rabies vaccination must be provided; otherwise the staff member will receive a series of expensive post-exposure rabies shots. You, the owner, will be liable for payment. Additionally, a doctor will notify Animal Control and your dog will be quarantined. This is something we don’t want to happen. It is for everyone’s protection.
What is matting?
Matting occurs when the hair starts to tangle and eventually gets so stuck together that it is almost impossible to comb out. A small mat will continue to collect hair and grow, pulling at the skin and causing the dog discomfort. The hair can also rip from the skin, leaving a bald spot, hot spot or other skin irritation. The best way to prevent mats from forming is to make an effort to brush your dog and keep him on a regular schedule for professional grooming. I will be happy to show you the proper tools and techniques to use at home to keep your dog mat-free.
My dog is matted, what can you do?
Some tangles or small mats that are away from the skin can be bushed out. But if a dog is severely matted, I will have to shave the hair. If I were to brush out a severely matted coat, it would be a painful procedure for your dog and the hair would be so damaged that it would mat up again almost immediately. If we shave the hair and start over, your dog will be happier and the hair will grow in fresh and healthy. Then we can discuss what we can do to get your dog into the longer style that you desire.
My dog has fleas. Can you help?
Southpaw Pet Salon does not use flea shampoos or dips because there are safer and more effective ways of killing fleas on pets. If your dog has fleas you will need to obtain a Capstar tablet from your veterinarian and give it to your dog at least 4 hours before coming in. Capstar will kill fleas for 24 hours, allowing me to maintain proper salon sanitation while your dog is being groomed. A topical treatment can be applied the following day.
Will you sedate my dog?
No. Pets requiring sedation should be groomed in a veterinary clinic for their safety.
